47 times 55 is 2585, but what is the answer if both 47 and 55 are negative numbers? Here we will determine if the answer to negative 47 times negative 55 is positive 2585 or negative 2585.
There are many different ways to explain and determine if the answer to negative 47 times negative 55 is -2585 or +2585 using mathematical terms such as additive inverse and mathematical laws like the Distribute Law.
We will take a different approach - process of elimination: We will simply test if -2585 is the correct answer using basic algebra.
We will test if -2585 is correct by setting up the equation negative 47 times negative 55 equals negative 2585, and then simplifying the equation to see if it is true.
(-47) (-55) = (-2585)
Divide both sides of the equation by (-55) :
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| = |
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The numerator and denominator on the left side both have (-55) which even each other out and can be removed:
| (-47) = |
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The numerator and denominator on the right side both have a minus sign (-) which even each other out and can be removed:
| (-47) = |
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A numerator of 2585 and denominator of 55 on the right side is the same as 2585 divided by 55 which is 47. Now we end up with this untrue equation:
(-47) = (47)
-47 is NOT equal to 47, thus we have proven that negative 47 times negative 55 is not equal to -2585. The answer must therefore be 2585:
-47 x -55 = 2585
The above applies to all math problems where you multiply two negative numbers. Multiplying two negative numbers such as negative 47 times negative 55 will always have a positive answer.
Negative Times Negative Calculator
Here you can multiply another two negative numbers together.
What is negative 47 times negative 56?
Here is the next problem on our list that we have explained and calculated.
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